Han Dynasty Jian - Damascus Steel Short Sword With Rosewood Scabbard & Bronze-Style Fittings 34 Inches

This Han Dynasty Jian is built like a museum replica you're allowed to sharpen. The alloy fittings feature Taotie masks - the iconic beast-face motif found on ancient Chinese bronze vessels dating back thousands of years. That specific design choice places this sword squarely in the realm of serious Han Dynasty collecting, not generic Chinese sword production. The guard, collar, pommel cap, and scabbard mounts all carry the same Taotie relief work in a warm bronze tone that complements the rosewood scabbard.


The blade is hand-forged from Damascus steel with visible layered grain patterns across the surface. At 23 inches of cutting edge, this is a compact Jian - shorter than the standard 30-inch blades found on most Han Dynasty swords in the collection. The shorter blade paired with 4.4 lbs of total weight means this sword is noticeably dense in hand. It feels heavy for its size, which is exactly what quality construction should produce. The double-edged blade is hand-polished and sharpened, ready for use out of the box.


The rosewood scabbard is the warmest element in the design. The natural grain of the wood shows through the finish, creating an organic contrast against the precision metalwork of the fittings. Where ebony scabbards create a formal, dark aesthetic, rosewood brings warmth and visual richness. A braided cord tassel with traditional Chinese coin pendants hangs from the pommel area, adding a detail that collectors of Chinese antiquities will immediately recognize.


At 34 inches overall, this Jian occupies a unique size category. It's short enough to display on a desk or bookshelf without a dedicated wall mount, but substantial enough at 4.4 lbs to feel like a real weapon. For collectors who want a Han Dynasty piece that fits into a smaller display space - or who simply prefer the handling characteristics of a shorter blade - this fills a gap that most Chinese sword sellers don't bother addressing.


One buyer described being "totally satisfied with the workmanship and the quality," and promised to return for future purchases. That kind of commitment from a first-time buyer speaks to the gap between what the photos promise and what the product actually delivers - in this case, the real thing matched or exceeded expectations.


The combination of Damascus steel, Taotie-motif bronze fittings, and rosewood scabbard makes this one of the most historically grounded pieces in the Han Dynasty lineup. It's the premium option for buyers who care about period-specific design authenticity in a compact format.


Includes rosewood scabbard with coin tassel. Stand not included. Free US shipping with 30-day money-back guarantee.